Can you believe 2015 is knocking on our doors? I'm actually in awe of how quickly this year has flown by! I have to say, 2014 was such an amazing year in many aspects of my life, and of course blogging takes up a big chunk of it! It's hard for me to believe that it's been over two and a half years since I started sharing little bits and pieces of my life (and what the average person would call a little too many beauty products) with you all - and I would not have it any other way. I ended last year by sharing My Most Loved Beauty Productsand also My Beauty Wishlist for 2014(with many of the mentioned products now crossed off my list!). I thought I would do something a little different this time and share a yearly recap post because they are always fun to read. Hopefully you enjoy!

December 29, 2014

For this month's Contributing Angel post, I'm sharing a little haul of some recent purchases I made at one of my favorite online stores! Head over to Sew Crafty Angel's blog to find out what natural beauty products I ordered by clicking here.

December 28, 2014

The one place where I can spend a little (ahem) too much time browsing the aisles when it comes to beauty items is the drugstore. Whenever I'm shopping with someone at the pharmacy, this is where they inevitably get dragged to, or where I sneakily make my way to while they are looking for other items. I remember when I first started buying skincare, this is where most of my "mula" damage was done, and I remember one of the first brands I ever tried is Aveeno. It's been a while since then, but today I have a few products from the line to share with you after testing them for the last few weeks, namely the Aveeno Fresh Essentials Nourishing Moisturizer SPF 30*, Hydrating Night Cream* and Daily Exfoliating Scrub*. Read to the very end to know how you can win these three products from Aveeno!

December 22, 2014

While I normally just reach for a liquid or creamy cleanser to remove my makeup, sometimes there's just so much to remove that I need a little extra help from a facial wipe beforehand. I've recently been using Amie's New Bloom Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes*, and considering how much I love all of the products that I've tried so far from Amie (which you can read more about here and here), I have to say I had really high expectations with regard to these facial wipes. But do they deliver?

December 21, 2014

One thing you may not know about me is that I love a good book. Of course I love reading in general (*hint* blog reading consumes a LOT of my time), but there is just something about losing myself in a fictitious or real-life story that always captivates me on so many levels and helps me see life from a different light. My love for writing actually grew from reading dozens upon dozens of books in my early childhood. Many evenings were spent visiting the local library and perusing the shelves for a gripping story. I've accumulated quite a few favourite books over the years, and one that has recently been added to my book shelf is Meg Flather'sHome Shopping Diva: Lessons, Lyrics, and Lipstick*. This memoir not only shares Flather's love for the beauty industry with funny and uplifting stories, but it will also make you reflect on the journey that is life and how important it is to take every opportunity as a new challenge, work hard, and never give up on your dream or passion. I wanted to share Flather's great life story with you, because not only did I find it very inspirational, but also, in many ways, very relatable to some of my own experiences. If you have watched my most recent video, you might already know that I've been planning a little giveaway, so if you would like to win a copy of Meg Flather's book, as well as her accompanying musical CD of the same name, keep reading because there will be a giveaway at the end of this post!

December 17, 2014

I love staring at pretty nail designs on social media (Instagram and Pinterest are my weaknesses), although I rarely re-create them on my own nails because 1) I am not that talented when it comes to nail art and 2) I lack the patience required for drying time. I know nail strips are a thing right now, but I just never got around to trying them out, thinking they were probably too complicated to work with. I was a little apprehensive when I received two sets of OMG Nail Strips*, since well, the challenge of making them look nice on my own nails was on. Thankfully, they turned out looking much better than expected!

December 14, 2014

It's been ages (or more like a year) since I've written my last fashion post, so I decided that instead of just sharing pictures, I'd also film what I keep inside my handbag for you to see! I've been on the hunt for a new handbag since the one I've been wearing for the last couple of years is literally falling apart, and I've had my eyes on the brand Matt & Nat for a while now. I love that they are designed in Montreal and that all of their bags are made with vegan leather using recycled nylon, and that the interior lining is made of 100% recycled plastic bottles. Fun fact: I work in retail for an accessory brand that specializes in handbags (and no, not for Matt & Nat - I wish!), so handling bags for hours on end during my shifts has taught me how to tell if a bag is well-made. This one is by far one of the nicest, high-quality bags I have come across. It is called the 'Alter' Tote Bag and it is part of their Vintage Collection. I went for the shade 'Caramel', and I just love it! If you need a new bag, I would highly recommend you check out Matt & Nat's website. They have so many styles and colours to choose from - I might already have my eyes on a few other models!

Any beauty junkie will admit the best part of beauty is experimentation. Lipsticks, shadows, liners and blushes come in every shade under the rainbow, and there’s nothing more fun than trying each one on for size. Sure, you have your go-to products for a ‘no-makeup makeup’ or ‘big night out’ look, but that doesn’t mean you won’t throw in a new product every so often to see how it works. Everyone knows that beauty is an ever-evolving process. As a skincare lover, I wish more people felt that way about their skin products too.

December 11, 2014

I love discovering Canadian brands, especially when they promote natural ingredients. I've been trying to incorporate more plant-based products into my beauty routine since transitioning to a plant-based diet, and so far I have come across some really great finds. I've been using a few products from Landeva Organics for the last few weeks, and I will be sharing with you how they have been working for me. The brand's name was inspired by the town of Landava, Slovenia, which I think is pretty cool since I am part Slovenian! All of their products are cruelty free and sustainably handmade in small quantities in Calgary, Alberta, to ensure freshness without the need for artificial preservatives. Something I love to hear!

December 10, 2014

When it comes to skincare, it's important to give our skin a break once in a while from the various concoctions that we apply to our face on the daily. I have been dealing with quite a few flare-ups lately (thank you university-related stress due to finals), so instead of dwelling on the current state of my face, I saw it as an opportunity to try a new do-it-yourself face mask recipe! Some of you may have heard of spirulina, a blue-green freshwater algae, as being a great dietary supplement since it is packed with many essential nutrients. This superfood is popular for its high antioxidant, protein and chlorophyll content, the latter which gives the powder its forest green tint and is especially beneficial at cleansing the skin while soothing redness and inflammation. If you deal with acne and sensitive skin like me, or are prone to rosacea, this mask will really help soothe, clear up and moisturize the skin.

December 8, 2014

Getting those unruly eyebrows plucked is something I used to dread in my early teenage years, but I knew it eventually had to be tackled. I still vividly remember the first time I got them groomed. My sister insisted she do it for me, and so I let her. Blood, sweat and tears ensued. Yes, I really cried like a baby, and I remember thinking "this is what the saying beauty is pain really means". It took about a day for my inflamed skin to calm down, and I thought to myself "is this pain really worth it?". I guess I convinced myself that it is, because today I cannot go too long without plucking my eyebrows. I've only ever owned one pair of tweezers, so trying the ArteStile Soft Touch Dragonfly Tweezers* in Cobalt Blue was a great way for me to discover what else is out there. If you would like to win a pair for yourself, keep reading because there might just be a giveaway at the end of this post!

December 5, 2014

I am a creature of habit when it comes to foundation, and when I find one that I really like, I stick to it for months on end. While in the summertime I prefer wearing powder makeup, I gravitate toward liquid foundation during the colder months because my face tends to be on the drier side. Although I have my drugstore favourites, going the high end route also has its benefits, especially in terms of ingredients. I've recently been trying a couple of face products from Glo Minerals, namely, the Luxe Liquid Foundation SPF 15* together with theLuxe Foundation Brush*. These products, used together, promise an easy application and flawless finish. I had heard of the brand before and read good reviews, so I was really looking forward to putting some of their products to the test!

December 3, 2014

I think you can pretty much call me a bargain hunter. I'm always on the lookout for the next best deal, and that includes categories like food, clothes, books, and yes, makeup too! When I look back at my receipts, I always get so much satisfaction knowing how much I have saved. Of course, splurging on some luxury items happens once in a while, especially when it comes to higher-end makeup, but since it rarely goes on sale, I like to look for products that can be used in more than one way to get my money's worth when it finally does. I thought I would share with you today some of my favourite products that can be used for multiple purposes.

November 26, 2014

If you have been following my blog for a while, you know how
much of a fan I am of facial oils. I remember being extremely hesitant to use
them at first as I have combination skin and feared they would make my face
even oilier. After doing some research and discovering their benefits, I
finally took the plunge, and have never looked back! I'm excited to share a new
product in my routine that has been really helping soothe my skin which is one
the drier side now that the cold has settled, and that is Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil FACE*. Best part? Five readers will win one for
themselves - so keep reading to find out how to enter!

November 24, 2014

For this month's Contributing Angel post, I am sharing my new favourite do-it-yourself face mask recipe! I love that it only requires two ingredients, and it is especially beneficial whenever my skin is acting up. To learn more about my homemade natural skincare secret, simply click here.

Is this something you would try? Make sure to let me know in the comments!

November 15, 2014

There comes a time when our lips are in great need of intensive care, and my lips have been in definite need of a rescue these days! With temperatures quickly dropping and the chilly wind picking up, my chapped lips couldn't be more thankful for the new Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Ruby* which has been welcomed into my life with open arms. I am no stranger to the Fresh line as I have sampled the Original and Rosé Sugar Lip Treatments a couple of years ago as part of Sephora's Beauty Insider Birthday Gift, and I have to say, they left me feeling quite impressed!

November 13, 2014

Now that the colder months are upon us, it's time to bring out the heavy duty dry skin saviours! My skin becomes especially dry during the winter months, so I make sure to take the extra step of applying some kind of cream or lotion from head to toe once I step out of the shower to lock in all of that moisture - and whenever I forget to do so, I always regret it! La Roche-Posay has recently come out with Lipikar Baume AP+*, an anti-dryness, lipid-replenishing balm. What's really nice about this particular product is that it can be used both on the face and body and is suitable for babies, children, and adults alike. Since my skin is often dry on my arms and legs, I've been testing it out specifically on those areas. But does it perform as well as it sounds?

November 10, 2014

In my effort to incorporate more natural products into my beauty routine, I've been on the hunt for toxin-free hair care products, and while vacationing in Alberta this past summer, my sister, cousin and I stumbled upon a lovely shop in Banff called the Rocky Mountain Soap Company, which offers 100% natural bath and body products. Sadly we do not have this store on the East Coast, but the good news is that the company is expanding and there are now 10 locations across the West Coast. It was actually my first time hearing about this company, and the beauty blogger in me obviously could not not go in. As soon as I set foot in the store, I was overwhelmed (in a good way of course!) by the variety of products that they carry and the invigorating scents that immediately put me in a state of zenness. All their products are handmade in Canmore, Alberta and include ingredients such as essential oils, herbs, real grains and natural fruit bits. I've never tried a solid shampoo, so when I saw the Rocky Mountain Soap Company Shampoo Bar with Rosemary (C$5.25), I knew I had to put it to the test.

November 6, 2014

Let's talk all things hair! I thought I would share some of my favourite hair styling products on camera with you today. I'm actually very low maintenance when it comes to my hair since I don't use hair styling products every day, but these are the ones that I reach for the most when wanting to make my hair look extra polished!

November 3, 2014

A few weeks ago, I posted about the great opportunity I had to travel to Toronto to participate in Clairol's fall Shift A Shade program. I wrote all about the anticipation leading up to the big day here, and today I finally get to share my experience at Hair On the Avenue with you! I've never been treated to a makeover before (let alone had my hair professionally coloured), so the chance to consult with a team of beauty experts (including a hair colourist, a makeup artist and a fashion stylist, with a camera crew present to document the entire transformation) was beyond anything I've ever dreamed of!

The time for the Made in
Blog Awards has arrived! This means you get to cast your vote for
your favourite Canadian blog in a bunch of different categories! Last year’s awards were
such a great experience because I got to discover a lot of new blogs and got to
interact with so many of you! The blogging community in Canada is growing
strong, and the fact that the blogosphere is being recognized in such a way is
really exciting! This last year of blogging has been nothing short of amazing for
me. Without your support, I wouldn't be where I am today, and I have all of you
to thank for it.

With that being said, if you enjoy reading my blog and
watching my YouTube videos, it would mean so much to me if you could vote for Natalie Loves Beauty in the Beauty and Vlog categories by clickinghereandhere! While you're there, don't forget to enter for a chance to win a Clarisonic Special Edition Hollywood Mia 2!

*Click on the images to vote for Natalie Loves Beauty in each category and to enter the giveaway*

There are so many great blogs that are entered this year, so
I know the decision won’t be easy! Wishing all of my fellow bloggers and
vloggers good luck - I cannot wait to see who wins!

October 30, 2014

With winter fast approaching, new and limited makeup collections are hitting the shelves rather quickly, that it's hard even for me to keep up! One brand I discovered around this time last year is Sothys Paris, and I was left beyond impressed by the quality of their products (more on that here). The new Sothys Escapade à Paris Collection offers 9 new products, and I have quite a few to share with you today! At first glance, the beautiful, warm-toned shades definitely made my heart flutter. But are they as good as they look?

October 27, 2014

Have you tried or even heard of a shampoo bar? I haven't until just a few months ago, so I thought I would share with you how it's been working for me! Head over to Sew Crafty Angel to read all about my experience by clickinghere!

October 22, 2014

Whenever I come across a beauty range that offers products made of 100% natural, plant-based ingredients, I get beyond excited and experience something similar to tunnel vision, as I have my eyes set on incorporating these new finds into my routine. Skin care is one of my biggest weaknesses, because as you might already know, I am far from having flawless skin and like to experiment with different brands to see which ones work best for me. Insert Me & The Girls Skin Care*, a vegan, cruelty-free line that includes products made with certified organic, raw and cold-pressed ingredients, the main one being Cupuacu Seed Butter from the Brazilian Amazon. Even more intriguing is that these products are made without water, which eliminates the need for harsh preservatives or chemicals. The range is also free of fillers, parabens, pesticides, petroleum, propylene or butylene glycol, SLSs, artificial dyes or fragrances, and phtalates, so just by knowing this information, I knew my skin was in for a treat!

October 20, 2014

With seasons changing, I always like to switch things up not only in my closet but also in my go-to makeup drawer by rotating the products that I reach for the most. Fall makeup trends are inspired by deep colours, and some of my favourites include coffee brown, metallic grey, burgundy, and dark purple. Of course I also like to keep staple products that can go with any look too, I guess it's all about balance right? I thought I would share four items that I am thoroughly enjoying wearing now that autumn has arrived!

October 16, 2014

I was tagged by my beautiful friend Chelsea from Chelsea Leighto do The Autumn Tag, and with so many things to like this time of the year, I knew I wanted to share what I've been enjoying. I will be completely honest and say that I've actually never been much of a 'fall lover' in the past (shocking I know, everyone loves fall right?). For me this had much to do with fall = back to school = stress = unstable weather = don't know how to dress appropriately = getting sick, but for the first time in a long time I am really enjoying this season, the change in colours, the abundance of local fruits and vegetables, and even the chilly weather (plus I haven't caught a cold yet, no jinx). Anyways, enough with the rambling - I've got some questions to answer!

October 10, 2014

I've been playing with a lot of new makeup lately while also incorporating some old favourites from the drugstore and a few other places. I've been loving wearing this particular look for work, and for school I skip the black liner since I'm usually short on time when getting ready in the morning! Interested in seeing how I do a full face of makeup in under 10 minutes? Just hit play on my latest video! :)